At home tonight vs. the Packers, the Eagles will try to bounce back from a tough 26-15 loss last Sunday in Seattle. Over the past few games, the Eagles have allowed over 300 yards in each game and their opponents have averaged 348 total yards per game. They lost two out of those three games.

For Green Bay, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been red hot as of late, throwing for over 350 passing yards in the past two games and averaging 361 passing yards. Despite that, the Packers have lost their last-four games and are 1-4 this year on the road. He has a 96.7 quarterback rating in those five road games, with almost seven yards per pass.

On the flip side, Eagles’ rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is looking to rebound tonight after losing three out of his last four. In those games, he has four interceptions and in those three losses the Eagles were a combined 15 for 46 on third-down attempts (32.6%). They have to not only make offensive adjustments but take control of their mental mistakes. They are among one of the worst teams in terms of penalties.

Despite that, the Eagles are facing a poor Packers’ defensive unit, which ranks first this year in most yards allowed per pass attempt (8.6) and they’ve allowed their opponents to score on 46.2% of their drives. While the Eagles’ offense has had their fair share of turnovers recently, Green Bay’s defense is a huge hole that the Eagles’ offense could penetrate through easily.

Per NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, tonight the Eagles plan to limit struggling wide-receiver Nelson Agholor’s snaps, or possibly deactivate him for the game. Paul Turner, in the slot position, will replace Agholor in the lineup, while Jordan Matthews will be utilized much more during outside routes. In limiting Agholor’s snaps or deactivating him, Doug Pederson has a huge burden lifted off of his shoulders. Agholor has been far and beyond the Eagles’ worst offensive player this season and has been a huge bust after being drafted number 20 last season.

With Agholor gone or not, rookie Carson Wentz needs to improve his timing, as many of his passes recently have been either behind receivers or way overthrown. Although he got off to an excellent start, his recent mistakes have shown his lack of experience.

In early October, as week five was approaching, Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 NFL teams’ offensive lines. Green Bay’s unit ranked as the second best, with right guard T.J. Lang standing out. Unfortunately for Green Bay, their offensive lineman have been decimated by injuries. Lang is out indefinitely with a left ankle and foot injury, while his backup Don Barclay is questionable with a shoulder injury.

Since the Eagles switched from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, defensive end Brandon Graham has had an excellent, Pro-Bowl-caliber season so far. He’s gotten bigger, which has increased his stamina and improved his health, and has been a very good pass rusher. Under the Eagles’ 3-4 scheme over the past few years, he was a strong, yet still inefficient, linebacker, and now he’s showing his talents after the switch to a defensive end. After the switch occurred, Graham praised it and commented that he felt right at home.

He should be a huge part of the Eagles’ defense tonight, getting pressure on Rodgers and forcing throws.

Tonight both teams’ playoff chances are on the line. Most likely, from here on out Green Bay would have to win out to potentially slide in as a wild-card team. After tonight, unfortunately the Eagles’ five remaining opponents, three of which are against divisional opponents, have a win-loss record this year of 33-20-2 (a 62.2 winning percentage). If they can have success tonight vs. Green Bay and win at least four out of their remaining five games they have a shot at cracking the playoffs.

Be aware, Jordy Nelson has a touchdown reception in four-straight games.

Player of The Game Prediction

Fletcher Cox

With Green Bay’s offensive line decimated, the opportunities will be huge for the Eagles. They rank in the top 10 in sacks (26), although Green Bay’s rushing attack has been strong, ranking fifth best in yards per attempt (4.6). The Packers’ balanced offensive attack will be a tough task for the Eagles’ defensive tackles and defensive backs.

With that being said, I believe Cox will stand out and plow through the Packers’ o-line with relative ease. Despite Cox’s prowess, the Eagles need to focus and improve their rushing defense, as they rank sixth best in most rushing yards per attempt (4.5).